Topics - Jay M

I'm finally getting comfortable on the Zendrum and using BFD2 for sounds. In fact tonight will be my first time playing it in front of adults. I played for a group of children a few weeks ago and they loved seeing the BFD2 screen light up.

Most of the time it is flawless, but there are some situations where there is not enough CPU to play the samples and everything crackles and chokes. The most common scenario would be a lot of toms and cymbals at the same time.

I'm willing to start from scratch, but here's what I have in mind. PLEASE tell me if you have some better ideas or see some flaws in my thinking.

Tomorrow I will likely order a Zendrum LT. I was leaning towards the Zap because of it's lower price, but now I've decided that I want the ergonomics of the LT.

I talked to David for a little while today and he gave me some great advice. From that, here's my initial plan:

My Intel Core2duo Macbook & BFD for sounds. would you recommend OSX or XP for stbility and low latency?

I have a Motu 896HD & an Mbox mini. Which would work best?

For backup I already own an old Alesis rack mount sound module. (D-4 I think)Should I buy a Roland TD-8 instead?

1U line mixer to mix the Laptop and drum module.I plan to send the main out to the PA and use the headphone jack for IEM monitoring.Supposedly the 896HD can act as a stand alone mixer, I might try that.

I would have midi going to both the Laptop and the drum module at the same time. If laptop locks up then I only need to turn up the volume on the module to hear drums again.

I already own a 1U battery backup that I'll use in case the power cord gets kicked out.

I also already have a 6U wheelie rack to hold most of the stuff.

My goal as a "Zendrummer" is to be able to play smooth in the pocket grooves, and then add bits of perc here and there.

David told me that it's possible to play a full drum kit with one hand! If I could get good at that then my other hand could be the percussionist. That's my goal. All that and not filling my entire car with drums and hardware sounds like a cool deal!

Rather than blow money on a Nanopad, then upgrading to a padkontrol, then up to a handsonic - only to wish I had a Zendrum, I think maybe I should start with a Zendrum. In the mid 80's when I saw what Roy Wooten did with his mutilated synthax I was blown away. In fact in my minds eye I had dreamed up something VERY similar to the Zendrum. Needless to say I was shocked when I first saw one.

It will be a long hard transition for me to drop the sticks. First I want to emulate a traditional drum kit, so if someone listening were to close there eyes they'd think I was at a real drum kit.

Later on I could add other percussive elements.

I plan on purchasing a used Muse Receptor and BFD for sounds.

Music is only a hobby so I don't want to break the bank. Used Zendrums are few and far between, and I don't know of any used Zaps.

I don't plan on being mobile as I play. I prefer to sit.

I'm left handed so I suspect that a ZX would be less than ideal.

To stay in the comfort zone I would like to have a BD pedal and a HH Pedal.